The effect of a new ostium and sinus mucosal flaps on mucociliary flow of the maxillary sinus.

To evaluate the effect of a new ostium upon the mucociliary flow of the maxillary sinus, a window in the lateral wall of the sinuses was made and left open in New Zealand rabbits. The contralateral sinuses were used as controls. No change in mucociliary flow was observed, except for a shorter clearance time in sinuses with a new ostium. In the second group of rabbits the maxillary sinus mucosa was elevated at the floor, lateral and medial walls and rotated about 80-90 degrees. The other side acted as control, the mucosa was elevated and put in place again. The mucociliary flow of sinuses with rotation decreased significantly.